Dating back to 2000, Manchester United have won 19 of their 16 visits to Villa Park, their sole defeat on this ground during this period coming two years ago in, what was, Unai Emery's very first match in charge; will this prove to be Erik ten Hag's last?
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Preview
Manchester United, and their manager in particular, are in desperate need of a win, so they certainly will not be relishing this 86 mile journey south down the M6. On Thursday night, the Red Devils seemed set to claim a vital victory, 2-0 up against Porto in the Europa League, with both Marcus Rashford and then Rasmus Højlund on target inside the first 20 minutes.
What was to follow at Estádio do Dragão was both baffling and inevitable in equal measure, as Porto scored twice in quick succession to pull level, before going in front shortly after half time. Bruno Fernandes was then controversially sent off by referee Tobias Stieler and then, just when all hope appeared to be lost, substitute Harry Maguire's towering header salvaged a point in Portugal.
This though extend Man United's winless streak to four matches, following on from their humiliation at the hands of Tottenham last Sunday, while defeat here would see them lose four of their seven fixtures to start a league season for the a second successive campaign, having not previously done so since 1989 beforehand. Across all competition, the last time the Red Devils failed to win five on the spin was in October 2019, form that got José Mourinho the sack, with many expecting Erik ten Hag to go te same way during the forthcoming international break.
In complete contrast, Aston Villa supporters are in high-spirits, after their side claimed, almost inarguably, the most momentuous victory of their modern-history. On Wednesday night, in a rematch of the 1982 European Cup Final, as was the case 42 years ago in Rotterdam, the Villans defeated Bayern Munich 1-0, with Jhon Durán's spectacular, long-range first-time strike sparking wild scenes of jubilation.
This statement victory means Unai Emery's team are on maximum points in the Champions League, one of only seven clubs to have claimed two wins out of two. Back in the Premier League, prior to last weekend's 2-2 draw with Ipswich, the Claret and Blue Army had won three on the spin so sit fifth, six points better off than their visitors, meaning most make Villa favourites to pick up all three points.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 198.
- Aston Villa Wins: 51. Draws: 41. Manchester United Wins: 106.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United: Last 5 Meetings
- 11 February 2024 - Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United
- 26 December 2023 - Manchester United 3-2 Aston Villa
- 30 April 2023 - Manchester United 1-0 Aston Villa
- 10 November 2022 - Manchester United 4-2 Aston Villa (EFL Cup)
- 6 November 2022 - Aston Villa 3-1 Manchester United
Aston Villa Team News
The injuries are pilling up for Unai Emery; Jacob Ramsey hobbled off after less than half an hour on Wednesday, while John McGinn is also out. Thus, expect to see Jaden Philogene in the XI again, after he made his first start since rejoining the club in the summer against Bayern Munich. Matty Cash was amongst the substitutes in mid-week, having not featured since 24 August due to a hamstring injury, but is unlikely to be thrown straight back in, meaning Ezri Konsa will continue to fill-in at right-back for now.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Manchester United: (4-2-2-2): Martínez; Konsa, Diego Carlos, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans, Philogene, Bailey; Rogers, Watkins.
Aston Villa Player to Watch vs Manchester United
Jhon Durán's mind-blowing goal-scoring record this season continued on Wednesday, curling home his sixth of the campaign already, despite only starting one game, this in the EFL Cup, meaning he's averaging a goal every 49.5 minutes, so will he be the super sub again?
Manchester United Team News
Bruno Fernandes' red card against Spurs has since been rescinded, meaning he is available to play, despite also being sent off on Thursday. Rasmus Højlund started and scored for the first time this season against Porto, so could continue to lead the line, while Marcus Rashford was als on the scoresheet, before being bemusingly hooked at half time, with Erik ten Hag claiming he is managing his minutes. With Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount both doubts, Christian Eriksen could keep his place in midfield, with Manuel Ugarte returning at Casemiro's expense.
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Aston Villa: (4-2-3-1): Onana, Mazraoui, de Ligt, Martínez, Dalot; Ugarte, Eriksen, Fernandes; Garnacho, Rashford, Højlund.
Manchester United Player to Watch vs Aston Villa
Bruno Fernandes has scored more goals (7) against Aston Villa than any other opponent in his career, although most non-Man United supporting observers will be more preoccupied wondering if he'll achieve the rare feat of being sent off in three successive matches.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Prediction
Everything points towards an Aston Villa victory. Unai Emery's team are in-form, cohesive and well-coached, three ways one cannot describe Manchester United right now, so it would frankly be a big shock if the Red Devils departed the Midlands with a result: Aston Villa 3-1 Manchester United.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Aston Villa vs Manchester United Premier League game on TV channel?
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Premier League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League & Ultra HD.
- USA: NBC Sports, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo & Telemundo
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
How to watch Aston Villa vs Manchester United Premier League game on live streaming?
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Premier League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Sky Go app & NOW TV.
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo & SiriusXM FC
- Canada: FuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Aston Villa vs Manchester United in the Premier League?
Aston Villa vs Manchester United takes place on Sunday 6 October 2024, with kick off at 16:30 (BST), 11:30 (ET) & 8:30 (PDT).